The Headlines The New Way Trump Allies Are Offering Access to the President, and the Flood of U.S. Ammo to Mexican Cartels
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Feb 9, 2026 Thomas Gibbons-Neff, a New York Times reporter and former Marine who covers front-line conflict, joins to discuss two major stories. High-dollar donors allegedly bought access to the president and influence on naming projects. He also reports on U.S.-made .50-caliber ammunition winding up with Mexican cartels.
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Private Donors Gain White House Access
- Freedom 250 is a private group offering high-dollar donors access and perks tied to Trump's 250th anniversary plans.
- The effort mirrors past projects that mix political influence with flashy, privately funded events and monuments.
Donor Benefits Mirror Administration Actions
- The Times found many large donors have benefited from or work in industries favored by the administration.
- That pattern suggests fundraising and policy influence are closely intertwined in this term.
Tied Funding Request To Naming Rights
- Officials reportedly told Senator Chuck Schumer they'd release tunnel funds only if he agreed to name Penn Station and Dulles Airport after President Trump.
- Schumer rebuffed the request despite having no direct authority over those facilities.